Gay marriage cleared in Arizona, Alaska

A federal judge struck down Arizona's ban on gay marriage on Friday and cleared the way for legally recognized same-sex unions in the state, a decision that was followed by a U.S. Supreme Court denial of Alaska's last-gasp attempt to stop gay marriages pending an appeal.

The decisions came amid a federal government announcement that it will recognize same-sex marriage in seven more states.

The Arizona ruling by U.S. District Judge John Sedwick bars state officials from enforcing a 1996 state law and a 2008 voter-approved constitutional amendment that outlawed gay marriage in the state.

Sedwick ordered the state to "permanently cease" its ban on gay marriage and declined to stay his order, writing that Arizona restrictions on gay marriage were "unconstitutional by virtue of the fact that they deny same-sex couples the equal protection of the law."

The decision, which is expected to bring the number of states that allow gay marriage to 30, comes as barriers to such unions have fallen in many states following a string of federal court decisions in recent weeks.

"Today's ruling brings security to thousands of families in Arizona,” said Alessandra Soler, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona. “It's a moment to be celebrated. Equal protection of the law is one of the fundamental principles that allows our country to thrive and evolve."

In Alaska's case, Justice Anthony Kennedy on Friday issued a one-sentence rejection of the state's request to stop gay marriages. On Sunday, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Burgess ruled the state's ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. Before Kennedy's denial, the state had filed notice of appeal to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals seeking a stay.

Also on Friday, the federal government said it will recognize same-sex marriages and extend federal benefits to couples in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, Colorado and Nevada. More states are expected to join the list in the coming weeks.

"With their long-awaited unions, we are slowly drawing closer to full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans nationwide," Attorney General Eric Holder said in a video message.

He said the federal government would work to extend benefits to gay and lesbian couples "to the fullest extent allowed by federal law." If the Supreme Court decides to take up same-sex marriage directly, the Justice Department will "file a brief consistent with its past support for marriage equality," Holder said.

The announcement comes one week after the U.S. Supreme Court let stand rulings from three appeals courts that struck down bans on gay and lesbian marriages. That order meant same-sex couples in those states could get married immediately.

The Justice Department announcement brings the total number of states where gay weddings have federal recognition to 26, plus the District of Columbia.

Al Jazeera and wire services